The Patriots had a historically easy schedule this season. And though much can change between now and next September, at first glance, New England could be in for a far tougher road in 2026.
With Week 18 in the books, the Patriots’ slate of opponents for next season has been finalized. As a division winner, New England will play against multiple teams that also won their respective divisions.
Here’s the full list of home and road opponents:
HOME
Buffalo Bills
Dallas Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets
New York Giants
Tennessee Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers
Carolina Panthers
ROAD
Buffalo Bills
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Denver Broncos
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Again, every team will look different by the time next season starts. You shouldn’t even fire off scheduling takes during the spring, let alone before the current season even concludes.
Still, there are some potentially formidable opponents on that list. If just half of those teams play at an approximation of the levels at which they played this season, the Patriots could have a brutally tough schedule on their hands.
The full 2026 schedule will be released sometime this spring.
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